Patient-Information-Booklet-ENG - Urogyn.org

Tubal LigationVasectomy• Most women are ready to go home 2 to 4 hoursafter the procedure• Must have someone drive you home• The incision will need to be kept dry fora few days• Follow your doctor’s instructions to report anyunusual pain, bleeding, or high feverFor laparoscopic tubal ligation, typically within4 to 6 days. For tubal ligation performed by anopen procedure, typically within 9 to 10 days.• Rest for at least 15 minutes following surgery• Consider having someone drive you home• Apply ice packs to the scrotum and wearsupportive underwear to minimize bruising/swelling• Follow your doctor’s instructions to report anyunusual pain, bleeding, or high feverTypically, in 2 days.• Cramps (like menstrual cramps)• Swelling and bruising. If this occurs, it usually• Discharge (like a menstrual flow)resolves within 2 weeks following the procedure• Mild nausea or vomiting associated with general • A dull ache in the testicles that usually fadesanesthesia or the procedureduring the first week• Pain in the neck or shoulder• Pain in the incision•A scratchy throat if a breathing tube was used•Feeling tired and achy• Swollen abdomen, which resolves as gases are absorbed•Bruising around the incision that fades• You may become pregnant several years• Pregnancy may occur several years afterafter undergoing the procedureundergoing the procedure• Ectopic pregnancy occurs more often in •Bruising on the scrotum is experienced bywomen who have had a sterilization,1.6% of menif they become pregnant• Infection of the incision/puncture in the scrotum• Major complications, such as infections, bowel is experienced by 1.5% of meninjuries, bleeding, burns, or complications from • Painful testicles (epididymitis) is experienced byanesthesia, occur in about 2% of women who about 1.4% of menhave the operation by laparoscopy and in about • Sperm may leak into the surrounding tissue6% of women who have the operation by (less than 1% leakage rate) forming small lumpslaparotomy (open procedure). Internal bleeding (granuloma). This process generally subsidesis the most common and may require an open spontaneously, although pain medication mayoperation to stop the bleedingbe required• Other injuries such as damage to the bladderor burns to the bowel may also requireadditional surgery• Other risks such as blood clots and death are rare13